Oke’s Musings: Poetry, People and Places

Author: Oke Iroegbu

  • Earth Day: Doing What Is Right

    Every day should be designated as Earth’s Day Indeed, I acknowledge that today and every other day should be proclaimed as Earth’s Day. Not just as the planet which harbours life, but as a reminder to treat it with more respect. There are so many ways to treat the earth right. But one thing is…

  • Remind me of April

    Let’s compare beauty to this month, April of pleasant skies & pretty flowers Obvious on benevolent blue clouds Broad with bright weather & gardens Where light & dark storms linger With glowing sunrise & peaceful dusk Painting images of hope from wands Of stars featuring as a result of the vision

  • Muse: Night Memories

    A silent evening The sun is asleep And the night awake With it, every creature of the dark Burrowing rats, squeaky insects, and birds Country, radio music, dark mists Sweet breeze, lightning, wilderness, Fading fire, lonely happy moment, Where all memories flock There’s a brewing rainstorm, Right from rumbling clouds, Shrieking crickets and night flies…

  • When A Poet Loves

    Poets are unique creatures Living in their playful minds They are facets of adventure Hewn to investigate life & why When poets fall in love They soar in their craft They prevail in fantasies Then lets life pace on art They travel to & fro the moon In their art, there is joy & pain…

  • African Proverb: On The Rat and The Lizard

    Igbo: Oke soro ngwere ma mmiri, mmiri guoro ngwere agagi ako oke English: When a rat swims with a lizard, his hairs won’t dry as the lizards. Origin: This proverb is widely used in Igbo land. The aged use this to instruct young people and children, mostly in folktales. Reptiles are good swimmers and can…

  • First Night Rain

    This night rain flatter my townShe sneaked up our curtainsAnd let her waves wrestle with themThe breeze blew out the candlelightsWhen the thunder howl in his deep voiceEach time the lightning appearsBe sure to wait for some rumblingYet the downpour clapping outsideJust by the dark and slippery balconyTries to let the pata-pata cover all sound…

  • Tales Of The Village Boy

    The Leopard Spirit 5 When I arrived home that evening, it seemed like the whole world was turned upside down. I felt my head swell as the bee stings and sharp roots hurt. By the side of my bamboo bed, Nene and her dog sat, staring at me. She held my hand and squeezed softly.…

  • My Life As A Poet By Njabulo N., Commentary by Oke I.

    My life as a poet, Has not been a sweet one, It has been tedious as the sea waves, With slithering moves like a snake, With a lot of punches more than a boxer, It is unpredictable, It can get you lost in wild thoughts. Words without sounds, Voices without people, Minds without hearts, Bones…

  • It’s Easter 2021

    May this season bring us all love, peace, and happiness. May we find joy through these turbulent times and in all we do and to show compassion to those who need help. May this season bring us hope and remind us how being godly can help man conquer all his troubles—a happy Easter celebration to…

  • Amuse: ‘Sunny’ April, the Good, Bad and Ugly

    Ah, sunny April, you remind me of many things. You remind me of love, awful weather, happy moments, and good food! The Good 🙂 It’s usually an all-weather month; the sun rises, but the next minute it’s raining heavily. With the coming rains and the dust left behind by the receding harmattan, there’s enough soil…

  • Quote on Faith

    Open your mouth daily and declare good things; declare that you are healthy, that you are strong, that you are rich, that depression is not for you and you will see lines fall in places with time. Wishing everyone a beautiful month in April.

  • Muse: Be Happy

    People are not happy because they win, they win because they are happy – Stargirl Never let an evening go Without a moment of smile Grin, beam, laugh out loud Treat yourself to something nice And be a king or a queen For every moment you can Let those stars shine, let noble muscles flex…

  • African Wonders 5: River Nile

    Egypt’s Nile river, life-giver. One fascinating thing about the African continent is its landscape. From the mountains of North Africa through the Sahara dunes, down to the forests and savannah of West, Central and Southern Africa, there are wonderful things to behold. The sunny climate and the glittering water bodies in Africa add extra flavour…

  • African Proverb: On ‘Disguising’ Lizards

    Igbo: Ngwere nile makpu àfọ n’ala, mana onweghị onye ma nke àfọ n’asa. English: When lizards lay on the ground, no one knows those who have a runny stomach. Origin: This is an Eastern Nigerian proverb. Some fraction of the Igbo nation uses it. The agama lizard just like their reptilian brethren are quadruplets and…

  • Muse: A Tree House Dream

    I hope that someday humanity fully understands that trees are our life. Trees are beautiful. Tree shades are my favorite hiding places. The hot noon sun makes me seek these shades, where I find extreme relaxation and comfort. It’s pretty delightful to sit under a group of trees on a sunny day, writing, reading, or…

  • The Virus called Racism

    Indeed no one deserves to be discriminated against based on race, ideologies, beliefs, and personality. Unfortunately, mankind and his civilization had conquered or are in the process of conquering all kinds of viruses except the greatest of them – racism. If love traveled to another land Then I saw it fly on the wings of…

  • Quotes on Resilience

    Fail big! That’s right! – Denzel Washington Stubbornly persist, and you will find that the limits of your stubbornness go well beyond the stubbornness of your limits – Robert Brault I never lose! I either win or learn! – Nelson Mandela When a man sticks to his dreams he will eventually meet with great success.…

  • Woman

    Dear woman, I smile when I recall what you depict, who you are and the peace you represent. Woman, life-giver A grand masterpiece of nature, Life bespoke of elegance, Of glamour, a living golden statue Fear what it could be When life has no she When we assume maybe Woman, lover She brings peace to…

  • Happy Mother’s Day

    It’s Mother’s Day in my local church, Methodist Church Nigeria. I had published this piece a year ago and here is a revised one. My words alone can’t express my warm feelings for mothers. I had been raised by amazing women who taught and still teach me in one way or another. This amazing gift…

  • The Taxi Driver

    Dear Friends, Good to see you again. I trust you are doing well. I’ve got a story that was sent to me by a friend on Whatsapp. Sadly, the story portrays reality, people measure progress and success with that of their friends, classmates, and relatives even with the limited information they have about them. I…

  • Night Poem: The Messenger and His Gong

    Kokookoroko kokorokoro A greeting calls from afar, Children ran out excited As if the message was for them But then, who knows? Heads up, let’s listen Kumkum korookom Another beat rings out Pushing the mild hit Into the ears of the heaviest village sleeper ‘Oh how cute, it is the King’s messenger’ ‘A tall and…

  • Happy International Women’s Day

    Women are the real architects in the society I’m pleased with the roles women play in bringing worlds together and for the peace and love they represent. I’m happy that the world is waking to the reality that women are significant and must be treated with care, respect, and affection. I’m optimistic to see more…

  • African Proverb: On the Child Strapped Behind The Mother

    Igbo: Nwata akwô na azú amaghī na ùzó di anya English: A child strapped to the back of the mother does not know the journey is far. Origin: The Igbo people of Southern Nigeria use this adage. In many societies, it’s prevalent to see mothers, young and old, strap their babies behind them, especially when…

  • Lullaby: Breezy Evening

    Good evening. Howdy? I love it when it’s evening. Why? Cos that’s when I find time to dream and reflect under the watchful eyes of Mother Nature. One way Providence rewards hard work is through good food and mild evening breezes. Indeed, I have had both and still enjoying one. So I’m going to give…

  • Reminiscence by Peniel Gifted

    Today, my wings remind me of Africa, of how she would curl Up her birdikins in lonely colours. My eyes running through the four Walls of her pigeonhole, her father’s Angels, wrapped in China Pink’s glitters. Africa made me, yes Africa made me Like the Adobe Lily in her holy Oasis Salty waters flow from…

  • Quote: Be Yourself

    Figuring out who you are is something nobody can do for you.

  • The Rainmaker’s Poem: Come Rainfall!

    Do you want to hear the rain howl in the wind? Then you must come to Africa Here the rainfall is a sport to children And a time to count numerous blessings But if you doubt this, I will make it pour! Come rainfall! Come, dear friend! Send this town scuttling for safety, Let the…

  • Africa Changed Me By Nikki Lockwood

    The open-air safari vehicle rattled along the golden dirt S-28 road, in Kruger National Park. As the wind whistled through the golden grass, I reached out my arm, letting the grass brush against my palm as I passed it by. Even though I was shaded by the canvas roof from the bright African sun, small…

  • Video: Arnold Schwarzenegger’s Secret To Success

    Arnold’s success story taught that hope and resiliency are key to success. Big Fan, Big Lessons… I’m a big fan of Arnold Schwarzenegger. I love his wit, accent, movies, and general principles. As a growing kid, I recollect Arnold’s superb acting in Conan – The Barbarian and the mysticism portrayed in the film astonished me.…

  • Proverb: On Borrowed Oil…

    Igbo: Mmanù arîótara arîóta anaghî ezu ofe English: Borrowed palm oil can never be enough for soup Origin: This proverb originated from Southern Nigeria. It is an Igbo proverb. Palm oil (mmanù akwú in Igbo) is a standard cooking oil used in West Africa. In Nigeria’s Yoruba, Igbo, Ijaw, Bini, and Ibibio land, it’s vital…

  • Story On Patience

    I received this short story on Whatsapp and thought I should share it. A 40-year-old man visited his old father, who could no longer see very well. As both of them sat in front of his house chatting, a dove flew in and perched on the window. The old man asked his son, “Is that…

  • Proverb: On The Informed Cripple…

    Igbo: Agha adìghï eri nwa ngwōrō English: An informed cripple can never be consumed by war Origin: This is a southern Nigerian proverb from the Igbo ethnic group. Usually, when there’s a state of war, cripples suffer most as they find it difficult to escape the war zone. But when such a person is informed…

  • ‘Not Suicidal’ Note

    For me, I won’t let it end For times, happy and sad, Setbacks and breakthroughs, Or the road winding uphill & down, Teach that storms don’t last forever Thus nothing will cheat me out of this life I remember the smiling faces of loved ones I remember good food, the free air, I remember blue…

  • Hope by Peniel Gifted

    Now I know, he’s a seraph In dreams- long ago, Searching the way to home. With beamy winks, the kin Of which bird legs do fly Watching greenie mount. Now I know, he’s a sire Of idols- bearing golden Scions, of which I’m one.

  • Night Poem: Rhythm of Hope

    I hear drums echo through the vast wilderness I hear the wild dogs cry out in the early night They cheer the retreating Day in the distance Bright galaxies sweep above to show her a path The drums remind me to play with words, Nature is my song, a rhythm of hope for the world

  • Video: The Iron Lung Man

    Nothing should ever hold back a man from his destiny. Paul defeated polio. Watch the inspiring story of a man who fought the odds to live.

  • Daylight

    Sunshine Morning inspiration Farm wake up call Of dreamy fields Outspread under clouds Ripen wheat And golden sunlight Glow upon the dirt

  • Adumaradan by Niyi Osundare

    Your love engulfs me As the harmattan overwhelms the heat I will pledge a thousand favours to the wind To courier my voice to your ears Adumaradan, come close to me So you can behold the honour of my presence Since the day I set eyes on you Since the day I had a glimpse…

  • Valentine’s Day Quote

    I have given and received love, but the best love festivity is one observed with the family.

  • Genuine Love

    There’s no love without sharing For genuine love won’t hold back It doesn’t think anyone less It is a memory that will live on When remnants of life rot away There’s no love without caring No love without devotion and trust Love is accepting and being accepted It is living in submission to another To…

  • Night Poem: Love Is Beautiful

    Love is beautiful indeed I call it a fruit brown with ripe Which, when pressed, gives juices It is a little lads bicycle ride Down the lonely dusty road Love is a song that is written On panes of truth and care So I love not because of what one does But because of how…

  • Simple Ways To Overcome Sadness And Depression

    A happy family is a sadness killer The English dictionary defines depression as a state of mind that causes a severe and long-lasting decrease in enjoyment of life or the inability to envision a happy future. Many people experience this daily. Depression drains the joy and vitality from a person, even when they are still…

  • Poem: Remind me again

    Why do I feel like a titan When I come home to you? Oh, motherland, I run to you again Remind me of your love, of hope, I feel a tingling breeze upon my bare flesh The kind wind consoles me in many ways Listening to music from pine trees I shall throw my windows…

  • Quote on Love

    Love is beautiful. Genuine love gives the power to move mountains.

  • Stars

    I tell stories of many trees that live far away in forest shelters, Away from harm, that blesses man with delightful airs and nights, That tells of hope in every lovely dream for all that seek tree rights

  • African Proverb: On the cud-chewing Goat

    When mother goat chews on the grass, her kids watch and learn A goat is generally known as an animal with a unique way of chewing the cud. The kids watch the mother goat as she chew grass and picks the peculiarities. In no time, they will start to chew grass like the mother. This…

  • Anatomy of Actions Challenge: Day 15

    Today is the final day of our challenge! We will be talking about Choosing Experiences. How can one add value to life? Lakshay shared the following tips: 1. Engage in experiences and services that add value to your life 2. Find ways to spend time with people that you care about and make you laugh…

  • Poem: A Farmer’s Dream

    Night lets the farmer dream on his fields Little crickets hide in cracks on the earth They sing and listen to the wind howl Fairy butter-moths follow candlelight Amazed at the red maiden who was a wild dancer Valleys of ripe corn and golden wheat Are dreams blessed for the diligent farmer, When plates of…

  • Anatomy of Actions Challenge: Day 14

    Hey. We’re almost there! 😃 The fourteenth day of our challenge focuses on Enjoying The Journey! We can go on a local trip to discover our hometown. Camp, hike, bike, retreat, and enjoy the beauty all around you. We can watch the sunrise and sunset from our doorsteps or sit at the pool on a…

  • Quote on Humanity

    Enjoying the joys of others and suffering with them — these are the best guides for men – Albert Einstein, 1931